Despite warnings about the potentially devastating impact of Hurricane Milton on Florida, particularly in Tampa where mandatory evacuations were ordered, a Cuban woman has decided not to leave her home with her children. Denise Díaz, known as @denisediaz017 on TikTok, posted a video explaining her choice to stay put, even with the enforced orders for Gilboro County in Tampa.
"Honestly, I don't want to leave my house; everything seems calm," she stated on Tuesday. Though she acknowledged the sky was somewhat cloudy, she expressed feeling safe. In her video, Díaz voiced her skepticism about the news reports suggesting residents who choose not to evacuate should write their name and birthdate on their body with a marker, in case of fatalities caused by the hurricane.
Questioning the Warnings
"I find it hard to believe that's true," she admitted, showing her determination to remain at home, trusting in divine protection. While she has stocked up on food and other supplies, she has not taken steps like securing windows and is adamant about not leaving her possessions behind.
Concerns Rise as Hurricane Strengthens
In another video, Díaz shared her growing concern as Hurricane Milton intensified to a Category 5 storm, although it has since downgraded to Category 3. "We're extremely worried because this hurricane has strengthened a lot," she remarked, highlighting the storm’s danger.
Díaz stressed the importance of having enough water, recommending one gallon per person per day, and advised preparing an emergency bag with important documents and extra clothing in case of sudden evacuation. She also provided addresses of shelters in the Tampa Bay area, noting special accommodations for people with specific needs and those with pets.
"Sandbags are being distributed," she concluded, urging people to seek assistance before conditions worsen. In its latest update, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that hurricane-force winds had begun impacting Florida's Gulf Coast, with gusts reaching up to 77 mph (124 km/h) at the entrance of Tampa Bay, and sustained winds of 58 mph (93 km/h).
The NHC also shared on social media platform X that gusts of 66 mph (106 km/h) were recorded at Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, indicating the cyclone's effects are intensifying in the region.